Bill > HB846

This bill modifies the requirements for conservation easements held by entities other than public bodies, specifically when those entities acquire land interests from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. Previously, if a holder acquired any interest in land other than full ownership (fee simple interest) through a grant or transfer from the Foundation, that interest had to be jointly held with a public body. However, this bill allows the Virginia Land Conservation Board of Trustees to waive this joint holding requirement if the holder is accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission or meets similar standards set by the Board, and if the conservation easement includes a third-party right of enforcement in favor of the Department of Conservation and Recreation or another public body. This change aims to provide more flexibility for accredited land trusts in managing conservation easements while still ensuring public oversight.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB846